Does the seasonal commissioning have to be done by the same CxA who does all other commissioning activities or can a separate party be contracted for this? Any thoughts?
You rely on LEEDuser. Can we rely on you?
LEEDuser is supported by our premium members, not by advertisers.
Go premium for
Scott Bowman
LEED FellowIntegrated Design + Energy Advisors, LLC
LEEDuser Expert
519 thumbs up
July 17, 2014 - 11:47 am
It should really be there original CxA that did the work, as they have the most knowledge related to the activities, and can assist the team the best if things re-occur or new issues rise. If someone just plain was no longer in the business, or other factors beyond your control, I do not think it would be a problem, but is not best practice.
Akos Brandecker
Director of SustainabilityLiving Building Consultancy
11 thumbs up
July 17, 2014 - 12:13 pm
Thanks for the quick response, Scott. I agree that the original CxA has the inherent knowledge from performing all other Cx activities. The owner argues that the Cx Report would be detailed enough for someone else to be able to pick up the seasonal Cx and wants to tender it separately. This doesn't seem to be prohibited by the credit requirements but could be argued by the reviewer that it doesn't meet the intent?
Scott Bowman
LEED FellowIntegrated Design + Energy Advisors, LLC
LEEDuser Expert
519 thumbs up
July 17, 2014 - 12:40 pm
Seems a weird issue, as if the owner has a problem with the original CxA? Really not germane to this topic, just curious.
For certification, you must show that this work is under contract to be done. If the owner wants this done by someone else, then there will need to be a contract uploaded with that person, and you will find out quickly if that is acceptable! This would come up in the comment period, so you could always expand the contract with the original CxA if it was a problem.
As I have often suggested, if this is really an issue, then you might ask for a conference call with GBCI review team to ask the question.
Akos Brandecker
Director of SustainabilityLiving Building Consultancy
11 thumbs up
July 23, 2014 - 6:46 am
I think the owner is pushed by the cost consultant to reduce the price of Cx. I let them know of your recommendation and will provide an update once we progress further.
One more question: are there any specific requirements for seasonal Cx (like testing under full load conditions, interviews with occupants, re-commissioning of systems, testing under extreme conditions, etc.)? Many thanks again for your help.
Scott Bowman
LEED FellowIntegrated Design + Energy Advisors, LLC
LEEDuser Expert
519 thumbs up
July 23, 2014 - 1:07 pm
There are no specifics, it all relates to the system types and sequences. Many times you can simulate some conditions for functional testing, but often you just cannot simulate all the heating systems when it is 80 deg out, or the cooling when there is snow on the ground!
I normally like to get as much of the testing done before the contractors leave the project, even if it means some simulations of conditions, or changing outside air readings to see systems respond. Then you would identify all the tests that simply cannot be done, and then add those tests to the Action Log so they are not forgotten.